Car Review 2013

How to Install Wider Tires on an Audi

1. Decide what size tire you want to install. You may or may not be able to use your existing wheels, depending on what the width of the new tire is going to be. If you want to install tires that are a lot wider than your existing ones, you may have to use wider wheels as well. An example would be replacing 205/60-16 tires with 255/45-16 tires. The new wider tire would probably not fit comfortably on the wheels. If you are installing tires that are only a little wider, you can use your existing wheels. An example would be replacing 205/60-16 tires with a 225/55-16 tires. Using new wheels will also allow you to go with a larger-diameter wheel and tire package.
2. Determine how wide your wheels are. Audis come with a wide range of wheel sizes, some wide and some not so wide. Look in your owner’s manual or the back of the wheel for the sizes. To look at the back of the wheel, loosen the lug nuts, raise the car and remove the wheel. Give the sizes to a tire professional to determine what tires will fit.
3. Ensure that the outer diameter of your new tire is the same as your old tire. This will be determined by the profile of the new tire, which is the distance from the outer edge of the wheel to the outer part of the tire. If the wheel and tire are shorter or taller, your speedometer will not read correctly.
4. Purchase your new tires and, if applicable, new wheels.
5. Have the tires installed on your existing wheels if you did not get a wheel and tire package. Do not attempt to install the tires yourself because it requires special equipment to perform properly. If you purchased a wheel and tire package, you can install them yourself. Loosen the lug nuts for the wheels, and lift the vehicle with a floor jack. Install the new wheels and tires one corner at a time.